Former Hill County attorney's contempt convictions upheld

District Judge Dan Boucher ruled against Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson this week after Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger ...more

District Judge Dan Boucher ruled against Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson this week after Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger fined her $1,500 and ordered six days of house arrest for contempt of court last month.

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) — A Montana District Court judge has denied the former Hill County attorney's request to overturn three contempt of court convictions.

The Havre Daily News reports state District Judge Dan Boucher ruled against Jessica Cole-Hodgkinson this week after Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger fined her $1,500 and ordered six days of house arrest for contempt of court last month.

Barger found that Cole-Hodgkinson failed to appear or find counsel that could represent the state in three cases in June.

Cole-Hodgkinson claimed she missed the hearings because she had to take her dog for emergency care, noting she made numerous arraignments. She resigned in late July amid criticism she was unprepared for court hearings, resulting in some charges being dismissed in cases.